Holiday Tipping: A Face Saving Guide

Who should you tip this season — and how much? Experts explain when to be Santa and when it's OK to be Scrooge

It's that moment of hesitation:? You'd like to hand your hairdresser a little something extra as a holiday gift — but how much is enough? The etiquette can be confusing, because every community sets its own tipping standards. But our experts have good guidelines. Money columnist Jean Chatzky, author of You Don't Have to be Rich, follows her "rule of one or two": When tipping a regular employee, give one to two weeks' pay. For people you see less often, offer one or two sessions' worth.

Mark L. Brenner, author of Tipping for Success, stresses that it's not how much you tip, but how often. "If you give small gifts throughout the year," he says, "you can spend less during the holidays." Gestures like a bookstore gift card for your baby-sitter or a manicure for your child's teacher show appreciation anytime.

For etiquette guru Peggy Post, it's all about presentation. "Give crisp dollar bills tied with a ribbon, or express your thanks in a card," says Post. When you need an emergency appointment, your manicurist will remember a note more than money.

Although it's better to be Santa, sometimes you can be a Scrooge. No need to tip the UPS carrier or the salon owner. That said, the key rule still applies: Take care of the people who take care of you.

BOTTOM LINE

Below are the pros' suggestions for tipping. Both stress that these are just guidelines; tip an amount that feels right to you.

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